What Is Aromatherapy?

What is aromatherapy? Used for centuries, aromatherapy is known to have been utilized by the Egyptian physician, Imhotep; and Hippocrates. The first person to dub the term "aromatherapy, was French chemist, Rene-Mauric Gattefosse during the 1930s.

Aroma-generating oils are extracted from specific plants to be used therapeutically. Alcohol, oil or lotion is combined with these extracted oils to create the aromatherapy effect. Aromatherapy is when these formulated aromas are then massaged into the skin, inhaled through air disbursement, or poured into bath water for a soothing, calming effect.

Aromatherapy is also utilized for a wide variety of therapeutic treatments including physical and mental conditions, burns, infections, depression, sleep deprivation and high blood pressure.

Although there is little scientific evidence to support claims that aromatherapy is effective in the prevention or remedy of illness, aromatherapy supporters believe the oils encourage stress relief and self-healing. Persons with chronic illnesses or diseases should first consult their health professional before using aromatherapy as some side effects may occur.

Aromatherapy is used in massage, bodywork and other natural healing arts' modalities; as well as in alternative instructional settings. Known for its aromatic healing abilities, aromatherapy is a natural way to compliment the body's own self-healing capabilities.

If you'd like to learn more about aromatherapy, please peruse Holistic Junction's aromatherapy practitioners' and schools' directories today.

© Aromatherapy by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot in Conjunction with HolisticJunction.com

C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for Aromatherapy; Schools; Alternative Practitioners; Insightful Literature and so much more!